The Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

The fear of God is not something we hear preached about much these days. We hear more about the love of God. The love of God is truly an inexhaustible message. We can never preach to much about it. Just one glimpse at the cross of Calvary will tell us that. Yet equally important is the fear or earnest respect for God's authority.

Philippians 2: 12 tells us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Many would quote only the first part of this verse and tell us that our salvation is solely a private affair. You've heard the story. "I do what is best for me and you do what is best for you." Yet this doesn't actually fit with the theme of the book of Philippians. The major theme found in Philippians chapter two is obedience. Paul is not saying that I can work out my own salvation by doing as I please. Rather he is saying that I must make obedience to Christ a personal matter.

The phrase fear and trembling can be taken to mean "self-distrust." This simply means that I must understand that I am capable of doing wrong even when I have the motivation and desire to do right. I must be careful not to allow myself to get to comfortable and let down my guard against temptation. I must be always on guard against iniquity. Remember that our enemy the devil is going around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (I Peter 5:8).

Sometimes believers are so concerned about being "happy in Jesus" that the trust and obey element is not taken very seriously. How does a careless, over-relaxed attitude affect a true life of obedience? Christians should be the most joyful people in the world. Salvation is something to be joyful about. Yet we must also remember that God's word warns us many times to be sober and practice self control. We must all one day answer to God for the deeds done in the body (II Corinthians 5: 10.) On that day I want to hear my Lord say, "Well Done." Don't you?

Yours in Christ,

Sullivan Jones

HE IS!

I found this blog in an old journal this morning during my prayer time. It seemed to speak right to me and I thought I would share. It is dated Monday, March 1, 2010, 10:50 p.m.

Sometime's it is hard to know God's will. His voice is clear but my human reasoning gets in the way. I know that God desires only the best for but just because I know something doesn't mean I feel it. You know what I mean. That deep down place wants to have faith. But then my logic kicks in. Oh when will I ever learn to stop thinking and just listen!

Logic has its place; no one would deny that. But my human logic often gets in the way of my faith. I vow to do better. I will trust God. I promise this to myself and to Him too. But then the unexpected occurs.  A family tragedy strikes. There are problems on my job. A bill is due. There is not enough money, it seems. Will I fret or will I listen to the voice of my friend?

I hear him whisper; "I'm still here", he says. I have gone nowhere. I never will. Trust me. Be still and know that I am God.

So I will stop and listen. I will not speak, but wait. It may take a moment. My mind is crowded. It gently clears and I hear my best friend speak.

"Be still. Be not afraid. I will lead you. It will all work out." Strengthened, I arise to face a new day. Where moments before there was turmoil, now there is peace. God hears. God understands. I will not be afraid. Through Christ I can; I will; I am. Because HE IS. Amen! 

The Gift that will last forever

Yesterday morning I was thinking about how temporary everything in this life is. Nothing here in this world lasts forever. At this time of year we give gifts that we think will make the person happy but the happiness is short lived. In a few days, weeks, or months the new wears off and we are on the hunt for something else that we think will satisfy us.

As I was contemplating this I absentmindedly turned the radio on in my car. I don't normally listen to the radio when I am alone except for books on cd but I love Christmas music. As I flipped on the radio this guy was saying, "give the gift that lasts forever. Name a star after someone." Perhaps you have heard of this but I had not until that moment. If you send a certain amount of money to this organization they will look through the star charts and supposedly find a star that hasn't been named and name it after your loved one. It will be recorded in the Library of Congress or some such agency and you will be sent a certificate with the details. This  gift is supposed to last forever. (Forgive me for laughing!)

I immediately thought of the scripture in Mark 13:25 where Jesus said that the stars would fall from heaven. In this chapter he prophecies of the destruction of the world and all that is in it. Even the heavens are not exempt. John the revelator prophesied in Revelation 21:1 of a new heaven and a new earth. So you see, even the heavens are not forever. The only thing that will last forever is God and his word.

Psalm 199:89 says, "forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven." The only thing that we can build our lives on is the word of God. It is the only sure foundation. Everything else will eventually crumble and decay. God 's word has stood the test of time and eternity and we can never fail by putting our trust in him.

The reason for the season is that "the word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Jesus Christ is the living, breathing word of God. As such, He is the only one worthy of our trust. This world will pass away and all of its lust but he that does the will of God will abide forever (I John 2:17). So give yourself the gift that lasts forever. Put your trust in Jesus today. He will be here when the world is long gone.

Merry Christmas,

Rev. Sullivan Jones